Heading into the season, the Fairfield Prep boys' hockey team was expected to be a dominant force with its talent and depth. The big question mark was between the pipes with the graduation of goalie Riley Wikman.

At the recent Mount Saint Charles Christmas Tournament in Woonsocket, R.I., the Jesuits, ranked No. 2 in the Register Top 10 poll, showcased all three of their goalies and answered any questions about their perceived weakness.

All three goalies combined to lead the Jesuits to the tournament championship as Prep boasts a 6-0 record to start the season.

Jack Taubl started in the Mount Saint Charles quarterfinal game and made 28 saves in a 5-1 win over St. Joseph Collegiate Institute (N.Y.). Chris Gutierrez started in the semifinals and had 22 saves in a 5-2 win over La Salle College High (Pa.). Matt Beck started in the championship game and made 37 saves in a 4-3 double-overtime win over Delbarton (N.J.).

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"At this point, I feel we have three solid goalies and they should all see time this season," Fairfield Prep coach Matt Sather said. "Matt and Chris are a bit more seasoned and should see action in rivalry games. La Salle and Delbarton have very potent offenses, so goalie play was critical in those two wins."

Overall this season, Taubl is 1-0 with a .966 save percentage, Gutierrez is 2-0 with a 2.50 goals-against average and .881 save percentage and Beck is 3-0 with a 1.81 goals-against average and .922 save percentage.

White, considered one of the top forwards in the state, leads the Jesuits with 15 points (seven goals, eight assists). Wikman had the game-winner in the Mount Saint Charles championship game.

"What I liked best about our play last week was the competitive spirit," Sather said. "If we can battle that way throughout the season, we will be a very good team."

No. 1 vs. No. 2

Fairfield Prep's solid play this season, coupled with the dominant play of defending Division I state champion Notre Dame-West Haven, sets up the first huge matchup of 2013. No. 2 Prep will face No. 1 Notre Dame on Saturday at Bennett Rink in West Haven at 1 p.m.

The 6-0 Green Knights mirror the Jesuits in every phase of the game with talent and depth front to back. Forwards Bill Vizzo (five goals, five assists), Greg Zullo (three goals, seven assists) and Kyle Thibault (six goals, two assists) lead a balanced scoring attack. Defensemen Cam Hotchkiss and Darren Capobianco lead a speedy and physical backline and goalies Paul Sliwinski and Luc Amatruda provide depth between the pipes.

"We are definitely looking forward to playing ND," Sather said. "I'm sure it will be a great game and showcase for Connecticut high school hockey."

MILFORD REBOUNDS AFTER OPENING LOSS

After a season-opening 4-1 loss to North Branford, Milford has rebounded with a 4-2 win over St. Bernard/Bacon Academy/Norwich Free Academy and a 5-0 win over Wilton.

Indians coach Sal Follo credits teamwork for the recent success.

"I think because it was our first game, the players were nervous against North Branford," Follo said. "We do have eight freshmen and some of them are playing varsity. We have a good nucleus of young players and returning players.

"The team works hard. I think so far we are playing alright, but now that we are in January, it gets very tough with the teams we will be playing. To me, that will separate the men from the boys."

Part of that tough test in January will involve Southern Connecticut Conference matchups in three of the next four games. Milford will play Branford today (Northford Ice Pavilion, 4 p.m.), Amity on Saturday (Milford Ice Pavilion, 1 p.m.) and East Haven on Jan. 12 (Milford Ice Pavilion, 1 p.m.).

Among the top players for the Indians have been Zach White, Will Vitelli, Rob Buskey, Ben Lavallee, Jonathan DePascale and Gerald Villecco. Goalie John DePalma has emerged for the Indians as well.

"John DePalma is a junior and has played our last two games and has played well," Follo said. "He came up big against St. Bernard and with a shutout against Wilton. He has a good glove. Against Wilton he had 25 saves, some of them very tough shots that he was able to stop."